DURHAM, N.C. - For her outstanding performance on the court and in the classroom, North Carolina Central University freshman setter Jzima-Malaki Kalao has been named the Nationwide Insurance NCCU Student-Athlete of the Month for August.

Kalao being a native of Lome', Togo became interested in NCCU after head coach Georgette Crawford-Crooks viewed her volleyball highlights in Bubendorf, Switzerland, where she now resides. “I contacted coach Crawford-Crooks because I felt like I could learn from her, knowing that she had played for the Jamaican National Volleyball Team,” said Kalao.

Knowing how to speak five languages, which include English, her native language Ewe, French, German, and Italian, Kalao plans on majoring in business and hopes to play professional volleyball in the future.

As the setter, Kalao holds one of the most important roles on the team. Although she does not feel pressure from her teammates and coach, she feels that she puts the most pressure on herself. “I focus on every person and what I am supposed to do on the court to help benefit each of my teammates and the team,” said Kalao.

Crawford-Crooks believes that Kalao is a silent leader whose actions speak for her. 

While in high school, Kalao played for the Wirtschaftsmittelschule Reinach volleyball team and led them to two second place finishes in the championships of Switzerland. She also was a two-time All-State selection and participated in many junior club Swiss championships.

She started her college career off with 112 assists, 21 digs, five blocks and five kills during the month of August.

For more information on Eagle Volleyball or for up-to-date scores and statistics, visit the official website of NCCU Athletics at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.